Parliamentary Secretary Lois Brown meets with stakeholders to discuss increasing food security in developing countries
June 24, 2014 – Winnipeg, Manitoba - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Christian Paradis, met with Howard G. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, as well as with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, to discuss agricultural development and reducing global hunger.
“Increasing threats and risks to food security demand a global, comprehensive approach that addresses both long-term development needs and short-term immediate needs for vulnerable women, men and children who are hungry and under-nourished,” said PS Brown. “The changing landscape of food security and agriculture requires innovative solutions and strong partnerships that support inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.”
Food security continues to be a key development priority for the Government of Canada. Sustainable agricultural development is one of the most effective investments in reducing poverty and improving food security in a developing country. Canada is committed to investing in climate-smart agricultural growth with smallholder farmers in developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia, where the majority of these farmers are women.
“Moving forward, Canada is committed to working closely with Canadian and international partners to support our collective efforts to improve food security and nutrition to the most vulnerable,” added PS Brown.
The meeting was hosted by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and took place in tandem with the Sixth World Congress on Conservation Agriculture, an international gathering of agricultural experts.
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank provides emergency food assistance (food commodities, cash and vouchers for food, and nutritional interventions) and development assistance (agriculture and livelihoods) to people in need through its 15 Canadian church-based member agencies. It is one of Canada's key non-governmental partners involved in food assistance and is a recognized centre of expertise in food assistance and food security.
The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is a U.S. private family foundation working to improve the standard of living and quality of life for the world’s most impoverished and marginalized populations.
Sandrine Périon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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